Printemps commence 1921 - La Vie Parisienne Print by Vald'Es

Illustration Details

Vintage Art Deco illustration featuring a naked dancing woman holding a flower basket above her head.

French Text : Le premier sourire du printemps. Deja le gai printemps commence: Quelle allegresse, quel bonheur! Et les feuilles sont en avance, Meme celles du percepteur.

Translation : Already the gay spring begins: What elation, what happiness! And the leaves are advanced, Even those of the collector.

May Day (La Fête du Muguet, La Fête du Travail) in France is a public holiday, celebrating workers’ rights and a time to present dog rose or lily of the valley flowers to loved ones. The custom Île-de-France is particularly prevalent around Paris, with families getting up early to pick flowers from the countryside.

Thought to date back to May 1, 1561 and the gift of flowers to King Charles IX, the presentation of lily of the valley bouquets became a way for young men to express their love to women.